Lesson at a Glance
Chapter 15, Lesson 1: The Early Christians (pp. 458-462)

The Big IdeaFramework Concept: Change Once part of the Jewish faith, Christianity became a separate religion as its followers preached, taught, and established new communities.

Describe Roman attitudes toward other religions, then point out the conflicts between the Jews and the Romans. Point out the ways in which early Christians shared the Jewish faith, and discuss the major point over which they differed.

Explain and discuss the significance of the early Christians' decision to preach to Gentiles as well as Jews. Talk about the importance of Paul's journeys and teachings in the establishment of Christianity both as a separate religion and throughout the eastern Mediterranean. Point out that Paul spent two years preaching in Rome itself before his execution.

Lesson Outline
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Check for Understanding

Have students write a letter as someone traveling with Paul. Encourage them to describe the travel conditions, the people who listen to him, and the subjects he talks about. When finished, have some students read aloud, and discuss.

Ask students to look at the map of Paul's Second Journey on page 461. Using the atlas map on page 508, have them list the names of the modern-day countries Paul visited on his trip.